| answer text |
<p>Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act), it is an offence to fail to provide
for an animal’s welfare or to cause it any unnecessary suffering. The 2006 Act is
backed up by the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys
and Their Hybrids (the Code). The Code provides owners and keepers with information
on how to meet the welfare needs of their horses and includes a specific section on
how to tether a horse. Local authorities have powers under the 2006 Act to investigate
allegations of cruelty or poor welfare. In addition, welfare organisations such as
the RPSCA and World Horse Welfare (WHW) may also investigate such matters. If anyone
is concerned about the way a horse has been tethered, they should report the matter
either to the relevant local authority, or to the RSPCA or WHW who can investigate.
If a horse is found not to be tethered appropriately, it could lead to a prosecution
under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. I therefore consider that there is legislation
and guidance in place in respect of tethering of horses.</p>
|
|
